Reading Rooms

A Disciplined Evidence-based Approach

Evidence-based design, when applied to the reading room utilizes credible ergonomic research to achieve a better workflow, greater productivity, and to address the widespread increase of computer user burnout. If done well, a reading room supports the different clinical departments, workspaces, and human interactions needed to optimize the success of all tasks.

Modernized vs Optimized

A modernized reading room design helps users avoid the challenges pervasive in an outdated traditional work environment — but an optimized reading room does a lot more. It is why we take a disciplined and evidence-based approach to every engagement.

We consider the entirety of a radiologist’s workflow, the different types of tasks that need to be accomplished, and the ergonomic stressors of each user. Strategic consideration of these three important facets creates a more immersive environment and increases the productivity of every user; making the Evolve Reading Room one of an organization’s greatest assets.

One Size Does Not Fit All

We understand reading room size and the requirements of each is not universal. Balancing space limitations, individual ergonomic stressors, IT requirements, and institutional needs, demands in-depth understanding and planning.

Appreciation of these static pre-requisites are critical and drives the strategy for all specialized areas of the reading room. However regardless of scope, the Evolve Reading Room is elegantly designed to endure.

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Beyond the Big Picture

Incorporating task-oriented spaces help to maximize space efficiency by providing areas in which varying degrees of work intensity can be accomplished.

In the radiology reading room these tasks can include uninterrupted concentrated reading, collaboration and teaching opportunities, conferencing, and research. It can also incorporate areas that are welcoming to referring clinicians. These and other task-oriented spaces, are an important consideration when designing the Evolve Reading Room.

Providing the much-needed flexibility to support each function and activity empowers users to work intuitively as they move throughout the reading room. This helps to create a community in which people love to work and a place where various tasks can be performed, further increasing the value of the space appointed for the reading room.

Reading

Collaboration

Teaching

Conferencing

Research

Components of an optimized radiology reading room

Architectural Layout

An optimized reading room begins with a floor plan that accommodates the types of spaces needed to facilitate an efficient workflow and one that meets the needs of individual radiologist and the institution as a whole.

Ergonomic Workstations

Radiologists spend long hours in front of computer screens and need to be able to move. All elements of a workstation should be easily and intuitively adjustable. Chairs should be able easily configured so an ideal posture can be attained.

Sound Mitigation

Radiologists need a quiet place to concentrate. Spaces should be equipped to reduce sound created by voice recognition software and other noises. Partitions should be used to minimize white noise and foot travel within the reading room.

Space Configurations

Radiologists often need to collaborate, and the environment must allow for multiple people to view the screen on a workstation. An ideal configuration considers the need for comfort for a single radiologist and the understanding that a workstation may be shared.

Light Source Control

Ambient lighting is key for accurate viewing of images and to minimize eyestrain and visual fatigue. Task lighting is also needed to review paperwork. Each doctor has a slightly different preference. Light sources should include the ability to control both types of illumination.

Wire Managment

Cables and wires are necessary but are a drawbacks in the reading room environment. A good reading room design takes this into consideration so that cables are managed correctly and do not become a hazard while navigating the workspace.